Justice News

Man Charged With Sexual Assault Of A Minor On Cruise Ship

GALVESTON, Texas – Todd Eric Nordahl, 49, of Tucson, Ariz., has been arrested on charges that he had sexual contact with a minor while in the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today.

Nordahl was arrested Sunday, March 31, 2013, after the cruise ship returned to port. He is set for a probable cause hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge John R. Froeschner Thursday at 2:00 p.m.

According to the criminal complaint, on or about March 27, 2013, Nordahl knowingly engaged in sexual contact with a boy he knew to be a minor.

The case arose after a Royal Caribbean security officer contacted the FBI, reporting allegations made by a 15-year-old boy on board the Mariner of the Seas while in international waters.

Nordahl allegedly provided an alcoholic beverage to the minor victim and purportedly made sexual advances toward him. After a brief period of “cuddling,” Nordahl performed oral sex on the minor boy, according to the criminal complaint.

The FBI investigated with the cooperation of Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Assistant United States Attorney Sherri. L. Zack is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.